If you are someone living in a hot and humid climate or even an area prone to floods, you may understand how important it is to keep the humidity of your house in control. Excess humidity in the air can have negative effects on one, such as bad and frizzy hair, moldy smell, etc. One thing that is absolutely crucial for you in these circumstances is a dehumidifier.
Dehumidifiers remove moisture and the moldy smell from damp areas. You can install a small dehumidifier in areas such as your bathroom, basement, and crawl spaces to get rid of excess moisture and that moldy, mildew smell.
It can be a confusing thing to purchase if you don’t know what you should look for, the kind of product you want, and with all the numerous options, it can be hard to decide. Well, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Here’s a comprehensive review for some of the best products on the market along with their best features, a small guide on what to look for, and some frequently asked questions.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Small Dehumidifiers
- OUR TOP PICK: Afloia Q3
- Afloia 1500ml Dehumidifier
- Ecor EPD50
Comparison of the Best Small Dehumidifiers
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How We Chose These Top Picks
The right kind of dehumidifier can do wonders for your home or wherever you decide to use it, whereas the wrong one can be a wasteful investment and that’s not what we want. Therefore, we decided to combine the very best in each category and provide you with a review of them.
All of the below-mentioned dehumidifiers are some of the very best for various reasons. Let’s look at those reasons to help you make a decent choice.
Portable and Convenient
All of these are lightweight and easy to travel with. You can shift them from one room to the other with great ease as they are highly convenient to move. The small and portable design makes them easy to store and these won’t clash with the aesthetic of your room either.
Noise
The dehumidifier you invest in should not make a lot of noise while working, as it can be distracting and unpleasant. Ideally, it would quietly do its job such that you won’t even notice its existence except by the improved air quality.
Room Coverage
You need to know the exact size of the space where you plan on running the unit. A small dehumidifier works well in rooms, basements, RVs, boats, etc. The products we talk about all mention the cubic meters or square ft. of the area they work best.
Water Capacity
If you live in a highly humid place, you need a dehumidifier which can suck in more moisture. Small humidifiers usually have the capacity of 16 to 72 ounces, and after that, you will need to empty your unit.
Automatic Shut-Off Feature
This feature makes a product user-friendly. It shuts off the unit when the dehumidifier’s water capacity is full. Therefore, it can come in handy.
Review of the Best Small Dehumidifiers
The quest to find your perfect dehumidifier can be a challenging one, given the variety of options in the market and the abundance of gimmicky products. To save you the hassle, we have cherry-picked some of the best ones for you.
Best Overall
Afloia Q3
![Mini Dehumidifier for Bathroom, Afloia Q3 Portable 20oz Dehumidifiers for 200 Sq.ft Auto-Off Compact Quieter Lighter Peltier Dehumidifier for Small Spaces [Cat Ear Design]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31eTBl7THnL.jpg)
Product Ratings
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How We Determined These Scores
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Quick Product Specs:
Pints (DOE): 1.25
Warranty Length: Limited lifetime
Size & Weight: 5.71×5.71×10.2”; 1.89 lbs.
Tank Capacity: 0.6 Liters
Decibel Level: 36 dB
Review
If you want a pint-sized dehumidifier with a surprising amount of pint removal qualities, the Afloia Q3 is perhaps the best option on the market. Featuring a 5-star affordability ranking to go along with a 4-star cost efficiency rating, this unit maximizes water absorption without absorbing the dollars in your wallet. Soothing LED lights and a surprising amount of coverage make it ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets, while its lightweight design garners a 5-star portability rating.
Bottom Line
With all of its features, quiet operation, and design, the Afloia Q3 is perhaps the best option for a small dehumidifier in a living space. Minor drawbacks are that it may not match your interior decor and a 0-star warranty rating. But outside of these aspects, this dehumidifier proves that good things can indeed come in the smallest of packages.
Pros
Up to 165 sq. ft. of coverage
Low amounts of noise during operation
Uses only as much power as a small lamp
Cat-ear design provides a modern, sleek look that’s easy to grip
Orange and blue LED lights signal a full tank or that the unit is on
Cons
Unit has been known to shut off before the tank is full
White unit with black cord doesn’t match all types of decor
Afloia 1500ml Dehumidifier
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How We Determined These Scores
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Quick Product Specs:
Pints (DOE): 1.13
Warranty Length: 2 years
Size & Weight: 8.8×6.2×12.1″; 4.4 lbs.
Tank Capacity: 1.5 Liters
Decibel Level: 30 dB
Review
The Afloia Dehumidifier may not have a fancy name or even fancy features. It’s just a solid small dehumidifier that gets the job done. Featuring 4-star ratings for both portability and affordability, this unit is what you need if you want all of the dehumidifying power without the added flash. But even without the added features, it still offers the quietest operation on the list, paired with super efficiency and even two fan speeds.
For what it is, it’s the blue-collar unit that just keeps working, no matter how much moisture you throw in its path.
Bottom Line
Small dehumidifiers may seem all the same at first glance, but the Afloia Dehumidifier proves that you don’t need all the extras to get rid of moisture no matter where it is. While this unit is inefficient, garnering only a 1-star rating for cost efficiency and a 0.5-star rating for space efficiency, it’s still a decent unit for the price. If you’re a bargain hunter, this might be the perfect fit for you and your wallet.
Pros
Energy efficient
Two fan speeds
Auto-off feature when water tank is full
Removable and easy-to-clean water tank
Super quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for bedrooms
Cons
Too big for bathroom countertops and smaller tables
Poor efficiency at lower temperatures (below 54 degrees)
Ecor EPD50
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How We Determined These Scores
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Quick Product Specs:
Pints (DOE): 50
Warranty Length: 1 year
Size & Weight: 7.87×11.81×7.87”; 16.76 lbs.
Decibel Level: 52 dB
Review
The self-regulating Ecor EPD50 is exactly what you need if you want to maximize your dehumidifying power without getting a massive, bulky unit. Offering a 5-star rating for cost efficiency and a 4.5-star rating for space efficiency, the EPD50 covers up to 1,000 square feet of space without taking up a massive amount of space. Due to its efficiency, it’s ideal for basements, living rooms, or entire floors of your house. And with the ability to work in extreme cold or heat, this unit is versatile enough to go just about anywhere.
Bottom Line
The Ecor EPD50 is downright expensive compared to other units on this list, offering just a 0.5-star affordability rating. But once you fire this bad boy up, you’ll know just where that money went. A 0.5-star portability rating also drops this unit’s overall score, but at just 16.76 pounds, you’re not likely to strain your back, even if you’re going upstairs or down into the basement. If you want pure power in a small dehumidifier, the Ecor EPD50 is about as good as it gets.
Pros
No draining required
Work from -4 to 104 degrees
Covers more than 1,000 sq. ft.
Surprisingly quiet operation for its power
Super compact for a 50-pint dehumidifier
Cons
Not as efficient at higher temperatures
One of the more expensive small dehumidifiers
Ivation IVAGDM30
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How We Determined These Scores
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Quick Product Specs:
Pints (DOE): 1.25
Warranty Length: 1 year
Size & Weight: 8.6×6.3×11.8”; 4.4 lbs.
Tank Capacity: 1 Liter
Decibel Level: 17 dB
Review
If you want a small dehumidifier that’s surprisingly excellent at removing the moisture from the air, turn your sights on the Ivation IVAGDM30. While it’s not as efficient at removing moisture from the air as some of the other units, it gets a 4.5-star portability rating and a 3.5-star affordability ranking, allowing you to put it anywhere while also keeping money in your wallet. It’s also the quietest dehumidifier in its class, making it the ideal choice for baby’s rooms or light sleepers.
Bottom Line
While the Ivation IVAGDM30 comes with an easy-to-use interface, built-in handle, and an automatic shut-off, it’s not the workhorse that you might find in some of these other products. It only gets 1.5-star ratings for space efficiency and cost-efficiency. However, its compact size and overall usability make it a top choice in the space, even if it’s not at the top of the list.
Pros
Full tank indicator light
Comes with a built-in handle
Automatic shut-off to prevent overflow
Easy to set up out of the box in just five minutes
Quietest operation in the small dehumidifier space
Cons
Not as efficient as some other units on the list
Some problems with leaks or not shutting off automatically
Afloia AF-T8PLUS-GB
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How We Determined These Scores
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you
Quick Product Specs:
Pints (DOE): 1.58
Warranty Length: 2 years
Size & Weight: 9×5.9×14.6; 5.3 lbs.
Tank Capacity: 2 Liters
Decibel Level: 38 dB
Review
Though the name is a bit of a mouthful, the Afloia AF-T8PLUS-GB is a small dehumidifier that’s more than just something for the show.
A 4-star affordability rating paired with a 4-star portability rating is a top-tier aspect of this unit. Yet despite its size, it still provides an ample amount of dehumidification, earning a 3-star cost efficiency rating and a 2.5-star space efficiency ranking. Add in the sleek design and whisper-quiet operation, and the Afloia AF-T8PLUS-GB provides everything you need without the overkill of a larger unit.
Bottom Line
The only hindrance of the Afloia line is that it doesn’t offer much in the way of peace of mind. With only a 1-year warranty and a 0-star rating based on that warranty, apprehensive buyers won’t necessarily be drawn to this unit. However, this is offset by a plethora of top ratings for efficiency and all the extras that make a dehumidifier stand out among dozens of other options on the market.
Pros
Covers up to 269 sq. ft.
No-coil design reduces excess noise
Small, compact size fits just about anywhere
Water tray that’s easy to empty without spillage
Water tank indicator light lets you know when it’s ready for emptying
Cons
May not cover larger living spaces
Heavier than some other small dehumidifiers
How Does a Small Dehumidifier Work?
Small humidifiers work by drawing warm air into their coils through the fans. Warm air then travels through the refrigerated coils of the machine and contracts, pulling excess moisture from the air. The condensation is left inside the dehumidifier.
Dehumidifiers are connected to a storage tank, so as the condensation occurs, water collects in the tank or runs out through a continuous drainage system. Cool air is then released back into the hose through the other side of the machine.
Where to Place a Small Dehumidifier
Place a small dehumidifier in an area with no excess fresh air from outside and no water is coming in to ensure you control humidity efficiently. Ensure that you keep the intake and exhaust away from the wall, and do not place them near open water. Keep the dehumidifier away from hanging curtains or draperies, too. They could be pulled in by the intake.
Your electric dehumidifier will most likely use a ground fault circuit interrupter-protected circuit. You should also ensure the product has clean fans. Clean the fans with water and reinstall them when they have completely dried. Dirty fans reduce the efficiency of dehumidifier capacity.
Check the electrical requirements for your dehumidifier, too. Most require a 115 VAC power outlet. Follow the installation instructions included with the model you choose. Most require a flat surface to avoid leaking.
Most dehumidifiers drain through gravity, so the water does not condensate upwards. Condensate can be drained using a clear vinyl hose and threaded adapter. Also, it has to have a drain trap.
Best Places to Use a Small Dehumidifier
Use a small dehumidifier in any room of your home that has a moisture problem. Mold can grow anywhere, and every house is different, so the best place to use a small dehumidifier is where you need it most.
Bathroom
A bathroom is an ideal place for dehumidification because long, hot showers and baths raise the humidity level quickly. This condensation builds up, leading to mold and mildew. If the extractor fan in your bathroom isn’t getting the job done, consider adding a small dehumidifier. Run a bathroom dehumidifier for about 20 minutes after every shower, and you should soon see a decrease in mildew and mold growth.
Crawl Spaces
It is common for humidity to accumulate in crawl spaces in the winter, then the temperature inside is warmer than the temperature outside. A small dehumidifier tucked into a crawl space does the trick, but make sure it has a strong fan and specifically mentions that it’s for a small space.
Kitchen
Kitchens are a big source of humidity in the home since cooking, dishwashers, and refrigerators all add moisture to the air. Too much humidity not only increases the danger of mold growth but can also affect how long the food in your pantry and cupboards stays fresh. Placing a small dehumidifier in the kitchen when cooking is often a great way to help combat humidity.
Basements
Humid basements with a musty odor are pretty common. Because basements are underground, they’re cooler and more vulnerable to water getting in from the outside. If your laundry room is also in the basement, it can increase the humidity even more. Hooking up a dehumidifier in the basement is usually pretty simple as you can make use of the drainage system already in place for the laundry room.
Why Would You Want a Small Humidifier?
If you live in a flat or need a dehumidifier for a smaller area, investing in a small dehumidifier is your best bet. Small dehumidifiers can be your best friends if you don’t have space or don’t have need of a big one. Living in humid areas means your place gets a lot of mold and mildew. It can also happen if you live near a water source.
Mold and mildew contribute to a moldy odor in your house, which is unpleasant. Furthermore, they may also stain the walls of your house.
If the humidity intensifies and is more than 40%, you will feel it on your skin and your hair may get all frizzy, thus it can be uncomfortable to live with. Moreover, your furniture suffers too, if the humidity is too high and the wood will decay faster than it’s supposed to. Thus, a small humidifier can do wonders to improve air quality.
What it basically does is suck in the musty air, filter it, and release it back into the environment with less moisture. The air would then have controlled levels of humidity in it.
Conclusion
These were our top products picks for you. Dehumidifiers can be a delightful investment, therefore, one needs to pick wisely. Keep all the things mentioned in your mind and pick any one of these according to your needs. You won’t be disappointed! One important thing to remember is what you need from a product, and if you’re aware of that, the rest falls in place just fine.
People Also Ask
Below are some common questions related to small dehumidifiers:
A dehumidifier uses 580 watts. This makes it energy efficient, which is above the Energy Star standards. It draws 5.1 amps while operating with an efficiency of 5 pints of water per kilowatt-hour.
Small dehumidifiers span a wide range of prices. The cost can range from as low as $30 up to over a thousand dollars.
A small dehumidifier is highly efficient in removing water and relatively quiet. This makes it perfect for use in nearly every condition.
A dehumidifier should not be left running for long, especially when there are children around.
A tube should be attached to the dehumidifier to remove the water.
Place the other end of the tube to a drain, plug-in power, and the machine does its work.
Some humidifiers are smaller than others because they may be the desiccant type. Desiccant dehumidifiers are smaller in size than refrigerant humidifiers as they do not have a compressor. Desiccant dehumidifiers have numerous advantages to them like being able to work better in lower temperatures, however, they are less energy efficient and have lower water capacities.
It is important to know that dehumidifiers need space around them that allows a consistent flow of air for them to work efficiently and do their job well.
The best dehumidifiers are those that have an automatic shutoff function. Small dehumidifiers have a feature that automatically shuts off the unit when the water capacity is full and prevents spillage. Mostly, machines will have an indicator that will tell you when it is time to empty the tray. Therefore, spillage really isn’t the biggest of concern here if you pay attention.
